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Planning Commission grants 1-year extension for Frederick Commerce Center Lot 1 amid data-center questions
Summary
The commission approved a one-year extension to the final site plan for Frederick Commerce Center Lot 1 to allow the applicant time to secure a tenant; public commenters warned against enabling land speculation and expressed concern about the applicant's mention of a possible separate data-center zoning text amendment.
The Planning Commission approved a one-year extension for the final site plan (PC22-1016 FSI) for Frederick Commerce Center Lot 1, a parcel originally approved for a roughly 1,000,000-square-foot warehouse and logistics facility. Staff recommended a one-year extension rather than the two years the applicant sought, to balance project timelines against changing development standards.
Applicant counsel Lisa Lawlor told commissioners the request was driven by current market dynamics: "This extension really is being requested because of current market dynamics," she said, and the applicant does not oppose staff's one-year compromise. Patrick Myers of Trammell Crow Company explained the developer had spent millions on site preparation and had not identified a user; he said the company is marketing the site for warehouse/logistics uses but is also exploring a zoning text amendment to allow data centers in the city. "We are comfortable with the 1 year approval proposed by staff and we request your approval," Myers said.
Members of the public expressed concern that further extensions enable land speculation. Steve Jakupsick of Citizens for Responsible Growth criticized repeated extensions and warned the city should not be seen as "enabling land speculation." "The city should not be participating or seen as enabling land speculation," Jakupsick said. He urged limits on extensions and emphasized residents should not shoulder speculative risk.
Commissioner Roby said he was not addressing the potential data-center use in this vote: "What's before us now is a warehouse development that's asking for a 1 year extension for warehouse purposes," he said, and supported the staff compromise. The motion to approve a one-year extension was made by Commissioner Temple, seconded by Commissioner Buono, and carried without objection (vote recorded as 4 to 0). The extension explicitly does not approve any change in use; the applicant acknowledged the data-center ZTA is a separate matter and that any change of use would require new site-plan approvals and APFO testing as appropriate.
Next steps: The one-year extension was granted; staff noted the applicant may return for another extension if needed and that any future change of use would require fresh review and permits.
